Do eye drops really work for dry eye treatment?

We hear very often that eye doctors prescribe eye drops, and the drops don't work.  Let's see  what kind of dry eye patients the eye doctors see in their clinical offices.

In this new research, a 17-question online survey were mailed to 400 members of the North Carolina Ophthalmology and Optometry Associations including community optometrists, comprehensive ophthalmologists, and cornea specialists.

Results indicate the following :
1. Symptoms- the most complained about symptoms is burning, followed by foreign body sensation.

Burning >> foreign body sensation> tearing (Watery Dry Eyes)

2. Eighty percent (80%) of the eye doctors indicate eye drops is the most recommended treatment. 

3. High failure rate for eye drops, including cyclosporine A

4. Concurrent medication indiations that occur with chronic dry eyes are- Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, anxiety and depression, history of LASIK surgery, smoking, and thyroid disease.

5. Doctors rely heavily on subjective symptoms rather than testing for dry eyes such as Schirmer's Test, Tear Breakup Test, Tear Osmolarity Test etc.  Rarely examine the condition of meibomian (oil) glands - looking for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

CONCLUSIONS: The survey provided an informative snapshot into the preferences of eye care providers cin regards to the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease.

Overall, burning was the most common symptom reported by patients.

Doctors relied mostly on patient history in guiding their clinical decisions than objective signs.  Therefore, the severity and extent of dry eye damages are not evaluated.

The survey indicates well established dry eye tests are not used in evaluating chronic dry eye conditions.  Resulting in treating all dry eye patients the same- eye drops.

To read more
Perceptions of Dry Eye Disease Management in Current Clinical Practice
Williamson JF, Huynh K, Weaver MA, Davis RM. Eye Contact Lens. 2014 Mar;40(2):111-5.


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This is a synopsis from
Perceptions of Dry Eye Disease Management in Current Clinical Practice
Williamson JF, Huynh K, Weaver MA, Davis RM. Eye Contact Lens. 2014 Mar;40(2):111-5.